Jethou | Page 6

based upon his
love for me and his apprehension for my safety. The tug of words, like
a tug of war at an athletic meeting, was a long one, first one gained an

advantage only to lose it to his opponent directly after; then the
opponent would get in a strong verbal tug, and nearly draw his man
over the line; but at length my father, with great reluctance, conceded a
point, a great point in fact, one which virtually settled the contest.
"M. Oudin," said my parent, "I'll consent on one condition, which is,
that I may be allowed to draw up an agreement as to the boy's tenancy
of the island, and if Harry agrees to abide by it, well and good."
"Very well, father," I quickly put in, "here are writing implements;
draw up your Code and I will soon tell you my decision."
This was said with great emphasis on the "my," and delivered with an
air of--"see what a decided person I am."
In an hour my father had drawn up the following document:--
TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR MY SON'S RESIDENCE UPON
JETHOU FOR 12 MONTHS.
My son Harry wishes to live the life of a Crusoe or Hermit, on the
Island of Jethou for twelve months, and to this I agree only on his
signifying his willingness to abide by the terms stated in this
agreement.
1. He shall allow no one to land on the island.
2. Shall not himself land upon any of the surrounding islands (rocks
which are uninhabited excepted).
3. Shall not speak to a living soul during the course of his
self-exilement.
4. Shall obtain no stores nor goods of any kind from any other island,
nor from any passing vessel.
5. Shall hold no communication with anyone, in any way:--
(a) Either ashore or afloat.

(b) Except in case of sickness, accident, detrimental to limb or life, or
(c) In other case of dire necessity.
Should my son choose to abide by the above regulations, I will agree to
his holding the island for a period of one year.
Signed, THOMAS J. NILFORD.
"There!" said my father, laying down his pen, "that is my ultimatum,
my son; and mark me, I will agree to nothing else."
This was said in a manner which shewed plainly that he considered he
had drawn up a code so stringent that he did not deem it at all likely I
should accept his plan; but to his great chagrin, and I may almost say
his consternation, I reached out my hand, after reading the document,
and taking the goose quill, wrote under the last clause,
"Accepted--Harry Nilford."
That being done, my father could not go back upon his word, and
accordingly the whole thing was settled.
M. Oudin was pleased, and I was supremely delighted, but my good old
father was quite dejected, and frankly avowed that it was like
sentencing me to twelve months' imprisonment. So it was, but what a
delightful imprisonment I anticipated it would be!
However, in a day or two he came round, and as he could not well alter
the turn circumstances had taken, he endeavoured to ameliorate them.
He made me write down a list of what I thought I should require, and to
this list he added a long supplement; and after mature consultation with
M. Oudin, another list was added as addendum; in fact, the articles
were so numerous that they filled four huge packing cases.
These cases were zinc-lined to keep the goods dry, as some of them
were perishable, and no one can tell with what pride I gazed at these
boxes, and thought of the glorious life I was about to lead. No thought

of any accident, or other drawback, even entered my head; in fact, as I
sat on the top of a case, swinging my legs and counting the hours which
had to pass before the day arrived when I was to take possession of my
island home, I was most consummately happy, being naturally ignorant
of what was to befall me.
At length came the day for launching the "Kittywich," at which I
assisted to my utmost; for I knew that any hitch with her meant further
detention in Guernsey for me. All went well, and as she slid off the
stocks (like a duck entering the water) without a splash or jar of any
kind, a ringing cheer went up, and then I knew that I should soon bid
farewell to picturesque St. Peter Port, one of the finest harbour towns of
Great Britain.
A few more days and the "Kittywich" had received her cargo for home,
and with it a new name, for in consideration of her additional carrying
capacity, we rechristened her the "Cormorant." Then came the